Gyms Kitchen is the UK’s first protein based restaurant, which in layman’s terms means they note the protein content and calories content of each dish on the menu. The menu, incidentally is based on a high protein healthy diet, so if it’s a burger and large fries you’re after, you’ve come to the wrong place.

This being said, with bikini season approaching, I find more of us are having to part with our beloved take-away menus and replace the poppadoms with push-ups. So if ever there was a time to seek out an eatery for healthy living, the lead up to summer would be it.

Anyone who has been attempting clean and healthy eating will have discovered one of two things: being healthy is actually quite expensive and finding something diet-appropriate on a menu is harder than one thinks.

Marinated lamb cubes

Queue: Gyms Kitchen. Gym go-ers heaven.

The menu is essentially perfect for those who are training or trying to lose weight. But it’s not so much focused on calories as it is health and nutrition. There are a variety of grilled meat’s and vegetables, protein shakes, smoothies and healthy breakfast and brunch alternatives for those looking for something a little lighter.

As a self confessed pancake lover, they were on the top of my must-try list and I’m glad to report that they did not disappoint. Made with egg whites, oats, protein powder and optional blueberries, they hit every spot, without even a glimpse of food-guilt.

The service was impeccable, our waitress was friendly, helpful and even encouraged us to try the large variety of frozen yogurt flavors before ordering the one we wanted. The table was cleaned at least three times during our meal and despite the restaurant being busy, we were never left waiting.

The menu offered a huge variety of foods, to suit all nutritional goals, be that a post gym snack or simply an afternoon lunch with friends that doesn’t break the diet. The food itself is fresh, well marinated and full of flavor; the fact it was healthy is an added bonus and not the main attraction.

Don’t let the name fool you, whilst Gyms Kitchen is a haven for those on a guilt-free food mission, the menu has something for everyone and varies from the simplest dishes (peanut butter on toast) to tuna steaks and king prawns.

In summary: fast, affordable and not shy with their serving’s of peanut butter (which on its own earns them an extra star). Will I be purchasing myself a Gyms Kitchen t-shirt any time soon, no. Will I be visiting again, oh most definitely, every tasty bite was well worth the 30 minute drive it took me to get there.